02 Nov 2017
The following piece was written by Sathish Clement Raj A, a 28 year old MSC from Bangalore, India. In his own words, Sathish tells of his family life, education, his journey with the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart and what being a member of the MSC community means to him.Â
Sathish Clement Raj A
I, Sathish Clement Raj A, come from Arch-Diocese of Bangalore. I was born on 27–01–1989 at Madurampattu in Thiruvannamalai in the diocese of Vellore. My father is Anthony Dass, a cook and my mother is Mary Stella, a helping staff in a school. I also have two younger brothers.
I joined the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart on 30th June 2007 having completed my PUC studies. After two years of Probation, I entered the Novitiate on 1st June 2009 and I made my First Profession a year and a day later on 2nd June 2010. I completed my Philosophical studies in Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram and I graduated my BSc Visual Communication in St. Joseph’s College of Arts and Science, Bangalore. I was also awarded a gold medal for scoring the highest mark in the language, Tamil.
I am, at present, in my second year of Theology in Dharamaram Vidya Kshetram, Bangalore. I also go for my weekend ministry to the parishes and the experience is so meaningful and profound. I enjoy my ministry by giving communion in the Eucharistic celebrations, teaching Catechism to the students, going for House Blessings, giving Communion to the sick, etc… My interests are; singing, listening to music and I am a sportsman. I also enjoy writing articles, designing, photography etc. and I am very much interested in charismatic preaching, attending retreats and other social work and mission activities.
Sathish taking part in an MSC service
Having renewed my vows after six years, I made my Perpetual Profession on 28th May 2016. I am truly inspired by the charism and mission of the congregation especially by our founder’s conviction that the remedies of the ill of the world are found in the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. And also, to love and to spread the love of God which is poured out in the Heart of Christ, thus, I dedicate and commit my whole life to the congregation.
It may seem to be so simple but it’s been a wonderful experience for me living my religious life as an MSC. I have learnt to love my community and accept them all. I have developed a great love for my community and all the members in my community; this is because, I accept them as “they are” and not “as I want them to be”. I feel at home and I have a family atmosphere with my fellow MSC brothers as one Chevalier family. Though many years have passed, the love we share with one another and the care we have for each other remains evergreen and ever vibrant. They always stand by me and help me to grow in all the areas of my life and as a result, they are instrumental in making me joyful and cheerful in living my life as an MSC. I have learnt to love the Heart of Jesus, which is pierced, more by carrying patiently the suffering, pain, and difficulties of my daily living.
And thus, I am happy in my MSC way of life as well as preparing myself to “be on earth the Heart of God”. At the same time, I am also proud to say that we, the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart love God’s people with the Heart of Jesus who loved us with a Human Heart. May the Sacred heart of Jesus be loved everywhere.
Sathish amongst the congregation